HiFi Perfection? The Benchmark ABH2 and DAC3 HGC Review
By Steve Huff
Well, I was wrong. I admit it and always will when I am. So what am I wrong about? Well, in a past video or written review I once mentioned that I was not a fan of the Benchmark ABH2 amplifier. In this review I will talk about that time I first heard the ABH2 and passed on it. Today I mainly want to talk about my experience with this amplifier here and now in 2026 as things have changed. I am now testing this legendary amplifier in the way it should be used and it is quite remarkable. Now… I know this is not a new product. It’s been around for a long while and the company who makes it, Benchmark, has been in business for 40+ years. Even so, I must share my experience with the ABH2 and their DAC 3 HGC as I never have, and well, I need to as it could be just what you have been seeking…or not.
There have been countless reviews of the ABH2 amp since its release. The little ABH2 has won many awards and has also been given class A ratings to boot. This brand has such a good reputation there are many in this hobby who love Benchmark so much that they never want to even try another amp. Benchmark has some hardcore fans and I must say that I just became a big fan of what they are doing as well, which was 100% unexpected!
A great looking and well made setup. The DAC 3 HGC and ABH2. Using Stack Audio feet.
The Measurements!
Well, I have never been a huge fan of trying to scientifically measure HiFi Audio Gear. I never look at measurements when considering a piece of HiFi gear for myself. I have always been of the belief, and still have this belief, that audio should be judged by the ear. More specifically, the ear of the person considering a purchase of whatever they are listening to. This is the only way to know if you will like, love or hate a piece of audio gear. Measurements can be cool, but the listening room, or space, will ultimately determine what this gear sounds like for you.
I have heard HiFi components that measured perfect but sounded sterile and lean. I have heard poor measuring products that swooned me and had me make a purchase instantly. I always judge by my ears, period. This is how I will review these pieces that just so happen to measure incredibly well.
Some seek perfection in audio with the best detail retrieval, transparency and dynamic range. Others may like a little distortion in their audio as it can give a more euphoric kind of sound, which is what most tube amps do. For those who want accuracy above all else, distortion is the enemy. For those who seek all out soul, richness, warmth and glow, perfection may be the enemy.
With that said, the Benchmark products seem to always measure just about perfectly. Just one visit to their website will show review after review singing their praises and talking about these measurements. In the case of the ABH2 amplifier, it does indeed have stunning measurements, almost perfect.
Do know right out of the gate that this is an amp that doesn’t color the music, doesn’t add its own flavor and is not warm or cold. It just lets the recording you feed it sound like the recoding itself. If the recording is warm and fat, you will hear it as such. If it is lean and cold, you will hear it as such. I will dig into my experience here soon and tell you why my views have changed dramatically with the Benchmark products.
There is so much to truly love here and so little to dislike so I am excited to share my findings with anyone who is interested to read them.
The DAC3 and ABH2 have illuminated blue LED lights to show you what’s going on. This amp also will protect your speakers and has safety measures built in. Even clipping LED’s to let you know when or if you may be running out of juice.
The Specs
Just an FYI: The ABH2 Amplifier is named after Allen H. Burdick who started Benchmark in Garland, TX back in the good old days, the 1980s.
The Benchmark AHB2 is a surprisingly small and lightweight power amplifier, but the specifications are rather extraordinary. In stereo mode, it delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 190 watts into 4 ohms and as much as 240 watts per channel into 3 ohms. You can also bridge one AHB2 into mono, where it produces 380 watts into 8 ohms or 480 watts into 6 ohms. Back in the late 80’s owning a 100 WPC stereo meant you have “arrived” and had a kick ass system. Today some feel 100 WPC is low, but it is not unless you have horrendously hard to drive speakers in a large room. In my 13X18 space I normally use around 1-10 watts of power and play soft, mid and loud. It’s not just about watts it is more about the quality of those watts.
This amp can deliver up to 29 amps of peak current to each channel, so even though this amp weighs only 12.5 pounds and is barely over 11 inches wide, it should have no trouble controlling more demanding speakers.
Benchmark even states that it can cleanly drive stereo loads down to 1.4 ohms. The claimed dynamic range is an incredible 132 dB in stereo, while the rated THD+N remains below 0.0003 percent at full power from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Its frequency response extends from below 0.1 Hz all the way beyond 200 kHz, making this one of the quietest and lowest-distortion amplifiers ever produced—at least when we look at the measurements.
The secret sauce is Benchmark’s implementation of the patented THX AAA feed-forward error-correction technology. The AHB2 uses a bipolar Class-AB output stage combined with Class-H tracking power-supply rails, while the THX circuitry actively corrects the crossover distortion normally associated with Class-AB designs. This allows it to run cool and efficiently without fans, yet Benchmark claims it can achieve noise and distortion performance that surpasses traditional Class-A amplifiers.
I happen to really love the design and looks of these pieces. Made in the USA as well and looking sharp, sleek and ready to bring music into your life.
Around back, you get balanced XLR inputs (no RCA) with three selectable gain settings, allowing the amp to work with everything from professional-level balanced DACs to more traditional consumer components. RCA sources will require an RCA-to-XLR adapter cable. Speaker connections include both traditional binding posts and high-current locking SpeakON connectors, and there is also 12-volt trigger control.
The amplifier uses a fully electronic protection system with no output relays, monitoring clipping, distortion, temperature, current, voltage and short circuits while protecting both the amp and the speakers. On paper, the AHB2 is a fascinating design: massive measured performance, serious power and current, yet packaged inside a chassis that looks more like a headphone amplifier than a high-powered speaker amp.
The ABH2 is quite extraordinary in realty. I could not wait to hear it in this system.
My first listen to the ABH2 and DAC 3
I never reviewed either of these pieces because I heard them on different occasions and only by themselves. I had a used ABH2 here once and used a very low gain preamp to drive it. I was not enjoying the result as back then it seemed to be lean, flat and it had no excitement to the sound. It was a mismatch to that preamp, even when the ABH2 was in high gain mode, and there are three gain modes here with the ABH2 for easier system matching.
When I had the DAC3 here in the past I paired it with an integrated amp that was not from Benchmark and it was an awful match, way too hot and crispy up top. Back then I had no idea I could have adjusted settings inside of the DAC but such is life. After that experience I just assumed this is what these two pieces sounded like. Wasn’t my cup of tea THEN but yet I couldn’t shake this brand after a buddy asked me to get a set in to test now, with my current setup. He swore I would love it with my current room and speakers and as a set. I asked B&H Photo if they could send me a set for review. They obliged.
Now as a Team in 2026
When set up as a duo and a team this combo of the ABH2 amp and DAC 3 HGC become elevated and seemed to work together as one. This set is like a superhero of HiFi, silent and stealthy as a Ninja… and together they are meant to be. I can state with authority that when used as a set, these two pieces sound extraordinary with all of my speakers here. I am not hearing anything sterile, flat, bright or lean. Not at all! I am hearing some actual magic with sweetness and a super clean and open sound that is also holographic and pristine. It all comes from a background as silent as it gets in this hobby. I mean, this is why this amp is so damn good. There is literally zero noise. Not from the amp nor the speakers even with my ear to them.
So many amp makers seek ways to lower noise as noise robs us of fidelity in higher end setups, or revealing setups. I cants stand noise in audio gear these days. When I listen I get lost in the music at times and if I hear buzzing or humming it distracts from that experience. Benchmark did it right here as this is the most silent amp I have ever experienced and I have had so many amps in here I cannot even begin to count them.
Cables
Benchmark feels any higher end cables besides standard ones, or the one that they sell, are “snake oil”. I will 100% disagree with them here on this as I can easily hear differences in the three sets of cables I have here, and it is easy to do. One set is super holographic but leaner in the mids with a smoky quality over the mids. One is a bit harsh, leaner and not so hot. One is magical, rich, deep and brings an all out amazing open stage with more immersion. Cables matter in a high end setup or when your speakers are out into the room. Speakers like to “breathe” so give them room if you can.
I have ordered some Benchmark cables to test with this setup but will update you guys on that later.
For now I hooked this set up using a set of Synergistic Research Foundation XL XLR cables. I hooked up an Eversolo T10 streamer to the DAC 3 HGC via USB, which was also a Foundation XL cable. Finally, a set of Foundation Xl speaker cables went from the Benchmark ABH2 to my SV Gro speakers.
This was the best sound I was able to coax from this dynamic duo of measured perfection. I was ready to hear what perfection sounded like.
Benchmark DAC 3 HGC and Eversolo T10
Almost There
Before I pressed play for the first time I had just come off a long listening streak with the all out gorgeous $15k AGD Allegro and the $1800 Oilily 211 MK tube amp. When I started listening to the Benchmark gear I knew instantly how special this set was. This one didn’t take days, weeks or months to appreciate. The ABH2 and DAC 3 HGC were so meant to go together! While I am not a massive fan of each piece on its own, together they are an aural treat that excites the senses and mind. I love them immensely and what they can do in my space and I knew this within moments as I haven’t heard this kind of sound in this space. Not like this.
When I listened to the Charm of Finches album “Marlinchen In The Snow” with the AGD or Oilily I was treated to a warm rich presentation. Beautiful vocals, softer details and nice depth. There was a soft veil of sorts as these amps do not usher in excitement and energy but more flow, beauty and richness vs all out transparency, clarity and air.
Going to the Benchmark was a mind blowing moment as it was as if the music was now alive, real, more 3D and open…more exciting even… and it gave me goosebumps. There was body to the music as well though not of the fat and juicy variety. The imaging was precise and holographic yet instruments had girth, body and energy just as in real life. I’ll be damned! There was even some sweetness and soul here coming from these boxes that measure amazingly well.
If any of you out there have tried these pieces on their own and thought they were bright or sterile, try them together or with a different speaker as there has to be a mismatch somewhere. Also, check your source as this setup will reward you with good to great recordings. Play a flat lifeless recording and you will get just that back. Source my friends, is king.
The beautiful SV Audio Gro
My SV Audio Gro are neutral to a hair warm but I would never call them warm. The ABH2 and DAC3 combo brought them to life in a way I have rarely heard and the bass? Absolutely unreal as to how this little box can deliver this kind of air, detail, beauty, realism and that big bottom end. The bass is fast, clean, bold and big but it is the inner detail retrieval, airy highs and punchy mids that impress me the most.
This combo thrives on decent to great recordings and with bad recordings it will show you what that recording is made of. Fully. This is not a romantic setup but more of a “you are getting the truth, and nothing but” kind of deal.
The back of the ABH2 is clean, well organized and easy to understand. There are no RCA inputs here, just XLR.
A Weakness?
I did find a small weakness with this combo. Besides truly sounding so much better as a set than on their own with other gear, when the ABH2 is used with the DAC 3 HGC lower volume listening suffers a bit. Benchmark recommends their LA4 preamp to solve this. I will test this soon and update when I do as I will have one being delivered soon. Sometime in August or September I will have this update and will add it to the end of this review below.
At low volume with the DAC 3 and ABH2 the sound can get a little bit thin but turn it up and it will wow you every time.
The back of the DAC 3 HGC shows the inputs and outs.
The Pros? There are many.
Small. Compact. So much lighter than the big muscle amps. Powerful. Can bridge two for double power. Never gets hot. No distortion. No noise. Wonderfully built. Made in the USA. Insanely transparent but never lean or dry. Superbly open soundstage that is wide, deep and with a little height. Detail retrieval is world class. Vocal isolation is amazing and even haunting. Clean sound with some soul. The amp measures as good as it gets. DAC 3 HGC has a richly detailed sound and on its own sounds quite analytical. With the ABH2 it blends so well and sounds more natural. No detail goes unnoticed. Very airy and yet like silky velvet in the upper end. An aural treat for the senses. Can drive most speakers with one amp. Using the LA4 preamp is said to sound even better at lower volumes.
Benchmark products come in Silver or Black, take your pick!
Night After Night
I loved this setup from the get go but I wanted to keep my enthusiasm quiet for a few weeks to avoid the honeymoon phase aspect, which is real in audio. I wanted to make sure I was feeling what I was feeling for a longer term. I judge truly special products in a few ways. One way I know when something is uniquely special is that I never want to stop listening to them. I stop thinking about the gear and get lost in the music. It’s the music man, always.
I have heard a slew of products that do this for me. Most were insanely expensive. There is something different here with the Benchmark Duo. This setup, which uses the DAC as the preamp and DAC (has a nice remote) comes in at under $6k. Just add source, streamer, speakers or analog rig. Sit back and enjoy.
Here I was testing the new speaker cables from Mad Scientist called “The White Magic” and they sound just as beautiful as their White Magic interconnects. Quite a unique sound as they use a metal no one else uses for cables.
The silence here fits the hype in the reviews you may have seen.
Once installed I was treated, night after night, to spellbinding music with a quality in the clarity and detail that I was not used to hearing. It was all there, that excitement and live feel but without the lean or dry qualities I have heard in the past. If I would have known how well this set paired with all of my speakers here I would have wanted to experience this set long ago.
Again, nothing at all lean, bright or overly analytical. Just a musical tour deForce as the music is enlightened, dynamic and also musical and enveloping.
A full setup in silver with HPA4, ABH2 and DAC 3 B. The design is industrial and I like it.
As more music flowed from the SV Gro, the Triangle Solstice 3 and the Fleetwood Helios I was treated to such an addictive detail, it was like a musical drug. But the big surprise here for me was the human presentation that was just right.
I was surprised when this perfectly measuring, relatively affordable amp was bringing me the perfect sound with my high end reference speakers. There are a few amps I adore with the SV Gro and soon I will post a 12 amp showdown as I tried to find the best option for my speakers. In that post I will compare each and talk of how each sounded, their character. Their house sound. Price ranges from $3500 to $32,000. How did the Benchmark score? Was it top 3? Find out soon!
Let’s get to some music.
I listened to the ABH2 and DAC 3 HGC with Spotfy Connect Lossless, Tidal Connect and Qobuz Connect with the Eversolo T10 streamer.
On Spotify listening to “Ache For” from Moby (915 Alt Remnix) had me sitting inside of a bubble soundstage of musical delight.
As instruments appeared to be floating around the room, mostly to about what felt like inches in front of me and close to my sides I couldn’t help but close my eyes and groove. There was an open very alive sound but there was a bass beat in there that kept it from going dry or flat. There is depth here and each instrument is cleanly and clearly layered in space. Vocals are quite heavenly and clear as a bell. This song sounds so open and real with the Benchmark and SV Audio Gro. Going to the AGD Allegro the sound is darker and slightly deeper. It’s richer and smoother vs airy and all out open. A different vibe. AGD has more soul and sweetness, Benchmark goes for realism and the goosebumps.
Moving over to Tidal I cued up Madonna’s “School” from her Confessions II album. I listened on the SV Gro and Triangle Soltice 3. With the SV Audio the sound was complete as I have heard from top to bottom. The big driving bass was here but it was insanely present and controlled.
Madonnas voice was dead center with a super realistic presentation. The song had me diving in and swaying to the chorus, though I usually find these types of songs repetitive and boring. With the Soltice 3 which are $1349 speakers from Triangle there was quite a bit less bass/body and refinement but now there was a sweet addictive flow and soft detail retrieval that sounded so good. These speakers are not bass monsters but the tone and timbre was spot on.
Also on Tidial I cued up one of my faves. “My Cosmos is Mine” Live from Depeche Mode on the Live in Mexico City album. This one has a huge sound on a well set up system that allows you to feel like you are there in the audience. With the benchmark I was hearing Martin Gore better than ever in the background as his vocal were layered in such a proper way. Truly separated but in a nice organic way. Bass was tremendous and powerful with the SV Gro. Vocals are huge with this track and larger than life.
When the intro hits, turn it up and enjoy it as if you are there in the crowd. The vocals are insanely huge with this track as in concert venue sized.
Going back to the AGD the sound again was a shade darker, warmer and just a big and resolute but in a direct comparison the Class D GaN was a little more closed in vs the Benchmark, which blew my mind. I love the Allegro.
Going back to Spotify Lossless Premium Connect I cued up Phoebe Bridgers “Funeral”.
This was the most haunting I have ever heard this one reproduced. Such clarity and life yet there was still some warmth in her vocals, which means that is how it was recorded. I hear crickets or frogs to my left in space with the acoustic guitar sounding full and warm behind her voice. On some systems this song can sound dull. On others it may even sound a bit hard. Some it may sound fat and not as high in resolution.
It should sound organic, earthy, open and holographic with warm vocals and pristine details throughout. With the benchmark this track sounded amazing and soul stirring though there was less all out plumpness vs tubes or the AGD. Even so, the Benchmark brought this to life so well I listened to the rest of the album in its entirety. I was up until 3:03 AM.
The Benchmark LA4 iPreAmp n Silver. Purpose built with no BS gimmiks.
Benchmark House Sound
Benchmark fans like to say these products have no sound at all, and I guess I can get on board with this, somewhat. I mean, it is probably as close as you can get to that. Make no mistake, these pieces were designed for all out perfection and this setup is really pro audio gear that made its way to the audiophile world. Because of this, the Benchmark duo lets the music come in and out as recorded. There is no real flavor added and you can tell this when you listen. It makes it easy to hear the recording itself, how it was recorded, the spatial cues and all of that good stuff.
Since there is no color added, horrible recordings will sound as recorded though I admit, I have heard amps that do much worse with bad material. With the Benchmark I can listen to them. No polishing up the sound here but at the same time, the sound is never ever bleached out or grey or hard/lean/dry. Instead there is body, and a truly haunting midrange presentation. I mean haunting.
I have listened to some old 80’s rockers I used to love. WASP debut album…sounded awesome with the BM and my Gro. Big, love, open and layered. Going over to some 80’s Dokken, “Tooth and Nail” was sounding better than ever, and this is not a great recording. Going to Madonna “True Blue” the sound was a touch thin and flat but it sounded like this with the AGD as well. Jewel’s “Foolish Games” was as clear as I ever heard it and her voice the same. She was literally in my room with the ABH2 and DAC 3 HGC, not so much with the other amps here.
Know this…
If you seek big technicolor or warm and fat, move on. If you seek muted and rolled off, nope not for you. If you want a big plump tube sound, nope not here. If you seek all of the detail with a dynamic vigor, life, big dynamics and realism while staying human and palpable then take a look at Benchmark for sure. It may be perfection for you if your speakers click with it. These are like a viper and will strike your senses with precision. I really enjoyed my time with this setup…as in really! I’d avoid bright thin speakers with the benchmark gear. Neutral to warm will sound best here.
Also, one last thing to keep in mind. With recent advances in Class-D modules there are other amplifiers that offer comparable distortion figures while providing significantly higher wattage and lower cost-per-watt. With that said, most Class D I have heard have come with a much smoother sound vs the more transparent and glowing sound of the Benchmark. If its all out transparency and truly spectacular musicality as well, Benchmark wins that race every time.
UPDATE: I loved this set so much I will soon be trying the LA4 preamp with the DAC B and ABH2 AMP for an ultimate test. I will update this page as soon as I get some listening time in with the full setup. Probably September 2026 when I am in my new home and room.
